Stanwix hits 200

It’s rare for defenders to get the glory, but Gabriella Stanwix did just that last Sunday. The industrious Drummoyne Power utility celebrated her 200 game milestone, all at the age of 14.

Gabriella has been playing AFL for almost 8 years, starting with Auskick and then moving her way through the system at the Canada Bay Cannons and the Drummoyne Power. She plays across various mixed and girls teams but it’s clear she has an eye for the game.

With a special banner made in her honour, Gabriella was on fire in her first of three matches. She made the most of the rare, perfect weather conditions in Sydney, and was able to capitalise with a strong running game through the midfield.

Her other noted strengths include her slingshot ability off the half-back line, pinpoint accuracy with the boot and intense tackling to match. Gabriella’s three games on Sunday, highlighting her extreme fitness, ended with a win against the Forest Lions mixed Under 14s.

The number 9 even featured for the U18 Youth Girls, holding her place formidably alongside her older teammates.

The emergence of women’s sport in Australia has been a strong source of motivation for Gabriella. The AFL’s development, particularly over the last 2-3 years, has pushed her own sporting pursuits to the next level.

Gabriella’s former teammate Steph Walker got drafted to the AFLW GWS GIANTS team just last year, and her idol, Southern Stars wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy, is making waves on the international stage with her achievements.

These female sporting heroes have inspired Gabriella to work harder on all assets of her game. She sees the fitness, focus and performance of these athletes as a personal goal to work towards in the future.

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